COVID-19
Smithfield Dolphin Families
As the school counselors at Smithfield Elementary, we want to continue to support each student to the best of our abilities as students transition to Plan C, Remote Learning, due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. We understand there may be a heightened level of stress and anxiety among students and the community during this time. In an effort to help support the social emotional needs of students, we would like to provide you with some helpful resources. While exploration and completion of these resources and activities is NOT required, we wanted to give you the opportunity to support your students in this way throughout these next few weeks. Under the COVID-19 Resources Tab you will find several resources that can be used by both you and your children.
Please be aware that we will be available to parents via email on weekdays between the hours of 8am-11am. We will be available to provide a timely response during these daily "office hours" if you need to consult with us about your students via email. If you have any emergency mental health concerns regarding your child during this time, please consult with their medical provider and/or your nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.
Tips and Suggestions for How to Talk to Children about COVID-19
Children may have questions as well as feelings of stress and anxiety surrounding COVID-19. These resources are helpful guides for age appropriate discussion with children.
PBS Resource: How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus
NASP Resource: Talking to Kids About COVID-19
Child Mind Institute: Talking to Kids About Coronavirus
Copy of Coronavirus Parent Handout-Supporting Kids who are worried about Coronavirus
CMS School Board Meeting
July 31, 2020
Yesterday the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted to reopen CMS schools on August 17 with all remote instruction. This change means students will no longer report to their assigned schools for several days of onboarding during the first two weeks of the school year. The decision to open with all remote instruction was made due to new public health information related to transmission of COVID-19, concerns about high coronavirus caseloads and high percentages of positive COVID-19 tests in Mecklenburg County, and increased staffing challenges related to COVID-19 impacting critical positions such as teachers, bus drivers, school nurses, and custodial staff.
Students enrolled in the Full Remote Academy will remain in that option. If during the school year the Board decides health metrics have improved enough to allow a safe return to in-classroom learning, students who are not enrolled in the Full Remote Academy will return to their assigned schools based on the schedule to be provided at that time. All CMS students will receive information about assigned teachers, class schedules, and other important information in the next several days. For more information, please visit the CMS Schools website.
CMS District Update
March 23, 2020
Gov. Roy Cooper announced March 23 that all public schools in North Carolina will remain closed for in-person instruction until May 15. The decision was made amid the rapidly evolving COVID-19 crisis.
"Remote learning has been designed so that CMS students can continue learning at home during this time," said Dr. Matt Hayes, deputy superintendent for academics (click here). Hayes is also encouraging parents to ensure contact information is updated with teachers and principals to enhance lesson continuity.
A lot has been accomplished in a short amount of time, but it became clear this would be a multi-month event. The focus remains on remote learning and meal preparation and distribution, and the Department of Public Instruction already has teams planning for schools and legislative requests that will be required as students remain out of school. DPI is working with the governor's team, State Board of Education and the General Assembly.
Updates and resources will continue to be posted to the CMS website.